The XFC promotion just got a lot stronger with the addition of three fighters from the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Lightweight Kevin Forant, featherweight Keith Richardson, and middleweight Ricky Rainey have signed multi-fight contracts with the XFC. From the XFC press release:

After a win at XFC 19 in his home state of North Carolina, Kevin Forant has come to terms on a multi-fight contract with the XFC. Forant, now (3-0) as a professional with 9 straight wins, will enter the Lightweight division of one of the top MMA promotions in the country. Forant was able to beat Joe Elmore in a decision and showed more than enough through three rounds to impress the XFC brass. There is no official date for Forant’s next XFC appearance though it is suspected he could return before years end. For more information about Kevin Forant check out his bio page and twitter, linked above.

XFC has added another proven finisher to its roster. After a quick first round submission victory over veteran Lawson McClure, Keith Richardson agreed to a multi-fight contract with the XFC. Richardson is now (7-3) as a pro with all seven victories by way of submission or knockout. Richardson has worked his way through most of the Featherweights in the Carolina region and will now travel the East Coast with one of the world’s top promotions seeking out competitors in the 145b. Richardson will now prepare for his next appearance with the promotion for a date that is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about Keith Richardson, click his bio link or twitter above.

Ricky Rainy showed the XFC officials enough to earn another fight with the organization though he came up short in his bout at XFC 19. Rainey dominated through the length of the fight with Johnny Buck, before a brief lapse in judgment lead to an unexpected KO loss. Rainey showed huge promise with his striking ability and had the Charlotte crowd on its feet in excitement through the first round. Rainey will be a force to reckon with in the XFC Middleweight division, and joins the likes of Josh Samman, Reggie Pena, and Dustin West in the 185lb class.

I’ve seen all three of these fighters fight on multiple occasions and all of them are worthy of the contracts. All of them have fought guys from outside the local area of Charlotte and proved their mettle as well. It’ll be interesting to see how they progress through the ranks.